Yorkinese

Just like its parent breeds, the Pekingese and Yorkshire Terrier, the Yorkinese is a small dog with a huge personality and the hair to match. Unlike many other toy breeds, the Yorkinese is actually quite independent, but that's not to say they don't bask in attention when it's given to them. They are exceptionally loyal to their owners and show quite a bit of affection towards them but often at the expense of others, as they are only moderately good with other dogs and are generally wary of strangers, making them better companions for smaller households and families with less active social lives. But if they receive a proper amount of socialization and training, can be quiet, confident and loving pets with surprisingly outgoing personalities.

Purpose

Companion

Date of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Yorkshire Terrier and Pekingese

Yorkinese Health

Average Size

Height: 6-9 inchesWeight: 5-14 lbs

Height: 6-9 inchesWeight: 5-13 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation

Entropion

Portacaval Shunt

Tracheal Collapse

Skin Fold Dermatitis

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome

Minor Concerns

KCS

Hydrocephalus

Eye Disease

Mitral Valve Disease

Occasional Diagnoses

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Tests

Knee

X-Rays

Eye Examination

Physical Examination

Endoscopy

Respiratory Tests

Heart Testing

Yorkinese Breed History

Given that the Yorkinese is a designer breed really only developed over the last decade or two, its history is a bit limited, but both of its parent breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and Pekingese, have deep, rich storylines. Immortalized in statues and amulets throughout Chinese history, the Pekingese is one of the oldest dog breeds still populating the earth and surprisingly enough, their DNA has changed very little over nearly 2000 years. There are many legends surrounding the Chinese "Lion Dog." In its origin story, a lion falls in love with a marmoset and begs Ah Chu, the patron saint of animals, to reduce him to the size of a pygmy without changing his lion-hearted character so he can be with his love. Throughout their history, they've been held with great reverence, thought to embody actual lions (and bred to look the part) to serve as protectors of the royal palaces and temples. They were largely kept without outside influence from the 8th century until 1860 when British forces invaded the Imperial Summer Palace and took a few of the dogs back to Queen Victoria. Because of their rarity, few outside of royalty could even afford them after they were initially taken from China but over time, their numbers allowed them into lower income households and in turn, their popularity rose even if marginally in comparison to other breeds of the time. They were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 and have since become the basis for many designer breeds. In contrast, the Yorkshire Terrier's history is surely much more blue collar than red carpet, but their existence and development is no less important in the historical timeline. During the Industrial Revolution, Scottish immigrants flooded England as factories and production lines were erected, echoing the promise of steady work. With them, they brought multiple breeds of small canine vermin hunters and what are thought to be the Yorkshire's predecessors such as the Clydesdale and the now-extinct Paisley Terrier. The latter of the two was bred with Waterside, English Black, Tan Toy and even Skye Terriers throughout its heredity timeline until the Yorkshire was cemented and named for its area of origin - Yorkshire, England. They've since made it to the United States and have been met with a fair amount of fanfare for their fluffy faces and affectionate personalities.

Yorkinese Breed Appearance

The Yorkinese only stands an average of 8 inches tall and weighs around 10 pounds, but at least some of that can be attributed to the nearly shell-like coat of fluff that surrounds it. Compared to their overall size, this breed has a considerable amount of hair that often obscures, or even becomes, its features and comes in a variety of colors. They generally sport a semi-square head shape with a short black nose, lively marble-like eyes, and an exaggerated mustache and brow that are a bit lion-like when combined and folded or cocked ears. Even with their small size, their stance regularly emanates power thanks to slightly more well-built forequarters, yet they still usually retain an even back line that terminates in a medium length yet often bushy tail.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Silver

Blue

Gray

Brindle

Cream

Fawn

Black

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Yorkinese Breed Maintenance

Because of the cloud of hair that regularly surrounds it, the Yorkinese is definitely a high maintenance breed that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. A variety of brushes can be used depending on the length and layer, but owners should beware of hair breakage from frequent or too rigorous brushing. If this occurs, consider a light conditioner as a preparatory agent to make combing and brushing easier for both parties - it can also be used in between brushes and baths to help maintain overall coat health. They should also be bathed somewhere between one and two times a month depending on hair length and the activities they're involved with (those who regularly exercise outside or with other dogs will need more frequent bathing for obvious reasons). Ears are another high point of maintenance, as even cocked ears (and many are further folded) are prone to bacteria build up and infection if surrounded by too much hair and should be trimmed and monitored regularly. Eyes should be similarly monitored and wiped to prevent tear stains and eye area should be trimmed clean enough to give them a good line of vision. As with many other smaller breeds, tooth care is another area of importance as brachycephalic-type dogs and related cross breeds are more prone to dental issues. Like any other breed, nails should also be monitored and clipped on an as-needed basis.

Brushes for Yorkinese

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Scissors

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Yorkinese Temperament

Both independent and affectionate, Yorkineses make fantastic watch dogs that are endlessly loyal to their owners, but their headstrong attitude does tend to come with a few drawbacks. They can be notoriously stubborn and therefore difficult to train, sometimes even developing Small Dog Syndrome unless their owners quickly assert themselves as the alphas of the family. These types of behaviors are also more conducive to them becoming excessively noisy, which can be a problem in closer living quarters. They do modestly well with children and other dogs but generally prefer smaller families where they can be the center of attention. More than anything, if an owner puts in the time to train and socialize them early on, Yorkineses are smart enough to far exceed behavioral expectations and with the right affection and attention, can become great pets in a variety of settings.

Yorkinese Activity Requirements

Because of their small size, Yorkineses need only a small to medium amount of exercise and are usually satisfied with a good walk and a bit of extra playtime daily. Interactive games and play that engages their brain will also help to tire them out and discourage any unwanted behavior, especially if they take their watch dog duties too seriously. Around six miles of walking a week and 20 to 30 minutes a day should be enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Yorkinese Height & Weight

Yorkinese Owner Experiences

Ramsey

4 Years

5 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walk

wrestling

Laser

Tug-of-war

Chase

Ramsey is an excellent family dog! Early on he was a small handful with regulating house etiquette as far as:
Diving in trash cans
Pulling carpet
Biting couch leather and bed sheets
But from those aside, he's an excellent family friend and also a great watchdog due to his barking at unfamiliar outside noises or voices. Very protective and
territorial, can tolerate other dogs but prefers his own space, loves to play with children but will tire and want to be left alone after a while, very independent but also highly affectionate and clingy, extremely loyal, obedient.
He's been a perfect fit for our family and friends to enjoy!

1 week, 2 days ago

Tiger Wu

12 Years

2 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walks

Car rides

Brushing

Word association

Get the squirrel

Chasing kitty

Tricks and treats

Narrative role play

Wu is a bold character. He's stubborn, loyal, and silly. We adopted him as a senior, he has little dog syndrome, and he is very selective to what dogs he likes and dislikes. He is a good guard dog, and loves people. He's a Velcro dog. His health is great for a small dog. Full of spunk and energry. Teeth are an issue as he's aging, at 10 he shows caterax. We have his hair cut shorter every 6 weeks to keep maintenance manageable. He loves being brushed (daily). And he doesn't mind baths. Overall an easy dog to own.

3 weeks ago

Skye

3 Years

3 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

I am not a little dog person, but my daughter wanted this dog. It latched on to me and I love her. She is so affectionate that I find her sleeping on my chest most nights.

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Cooper

8 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

High anxiety, severely afraid of thunder storms and fireworks, and loves to bark/guard his territory; otherwise a good dog.

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Paris

7 Weeks

4 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Playing

My dog is very energetic,loves kids so far,such a diva ,and a sweetheart